| Living \r\n the Quran |
Ibrahim (Abraham)
The enemies of Islam determined very early on to prevent its gaining \r\n currency by whatever means they deemed necessary. Had those means included \r\n a point for point debate on the relative merits of each religion, Islam \r\n would gladly have welcomed the opportunity to explain itself, secure in \r\n the knowledge of the ultimate result. But no. The matter went the way \r\n of the politics of arrogance and provocation; the only kind of politics \r\n in which the powerful seem to have any proficiency. \r\nThese were the politics which left the \r\n Prophet, for all his patience, no alternative but to stand up in defence \r\n of his mission and of those oppressed souls who were forced \r\n to suffer along with him because they dared to believe. \r\nSuppose that you were walking outside at night with a torch in your hand \r\n to light the way for you, or for anyone else who wanted to go your way. \r\n If there happened to be still others for whom it was somehow distasteful \r\n to follow you, or walk by your light, then they would certainly be welcome \r\n to take any direction they wished, avoiding the pitfalls and obstacles \r\n as best they could. But what is one to do if those who prefer to remain \r\n in the dark attempt to break your torch, and put out its light? Have you \r\n not, then, the right to defend the light that guides you and so many others \r\n along with you? \r\nMuhammad, upon him be peace, never did anything more than that. Indeed, \r\n those who advocate the politics of torch-breaking are the most virulent \r\n of all people in their loathing of Muhammad and in the abhorrence of the \r\n message he brought to mankind. These are \r\n the people who know in their hearts that that light is their greatest \r\n enemy because it reveals their deception. \r\nSource: |
| \r\n Understanding the Prophet's Life |
| \r\n Unity in all aspects \r\nMuslims should strive their best to achieve their unity in all aspects, \r\n not only in the beginning and end of Ramadan and celebrating the Eids. \r\n It is against the spirit of Islam to see Muslims in the same country \r\n divided in their rituals and their Islamic dates and events. The Islamic \r\n spirit is against division and disunity. \r\nThe new moon is difficult to sight and may be invisible due to atmospheric \r\n conditions. It can appear on different days in different countries, \r\n especially when two countries are very far apart. \r\nRegarding the dates of the beginning and end of Ramadan, a Muslim should \r\n follow the decision of the Muslim authorities in the country of his \r\n residence. It is not his concern what others, especially those on the \r\n other side of the globe, do. \r\nIn such matters you should follow the decision of the congregation, \r\n for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have \r\n said, \"Fast with people, break your \r\n fast (i.e., celebrate `Eid Al-Fitr) with people, and celebrate sacrifice \r\n with people.\" \r\nSo we are not to make such kinds of decisions based on our own personal \r\n preferences or inclinations. \r\nWe should not be creating dissensions in the community on this issue. \r\n Let us seek to focus instead on far more \r\n important issues that are crucial for the survival of Muslims in this \r\n time and age. \r\nSource: |
| Blindspot |
\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n What kind of Eid Noor Muhammad will have this \r\n year?\r\nThe young Afghan boy, hardly 12 years old, lost his eyes and both \r\n arms during US bombing strikes on villages southwest of Jalalabad, \r\n Afghanistan. Will he be celebrating in the hospital, as he seeks to \r\n put together the shattered pieces of his life, now as a blind and \r\n disabled person? What will he be thinking \r\n on Eid day as other children his age receive gifts, hugs and visits \r\n from relatives and go outside to play with friends on this happy occasion? \r\n Noor will probably never be able to play the way he used to. \r\nAnd what about the Fatimahs and Alis in Chechnya, Kashmir, Palestine \r\n and elsewhere people suffer throughout the year, with littlerepreive? \r\n How will they be celebrating this year? \r\nThese people are probably the last ones on our minds as we rush to \r\n finish our last minute gift shopping, pick out our outfit or decorate \r\n the house for the special occasion. While much of Eid is focused on \r\n how to make the holiday happy and special, especially for our children, \r\n we cannot neglect to share the pain \r\n of others on this day. \r\nThese are the people for whom Eid will mean settling into a refugee \r\n camp not decorating their homes. For thousands of them, Eid will mean \r\n trying desperately to find food for the day, not preparing a special \r\n meal for the family. \r\nOne way to share the pain is by simply having \r\n a discussion with family and friends about the situation \r\n of people suffering the world over. There are hundreds of \"hot \r\n spots\" where men, women, and children are regularly killed, oppressed, \r\n raped, tortured and subjected to all kinds of oppression and humiliation. \r\n Sitting together as a family or with friends to discuss the situation, \r\n even if it's in just one specific place, will help share information, \r\n while developing sympathy and concern. \r\nAnother way is through Dua (supplication). \r\n After Eid prayers, following the sermon, most Imams make Dua for the \r\n oppressed everywhere, usually pinpointing specific areas which are \r\n in worse condition or more prominent. If you normally leave Eid prayers \r\n before the Khutbah, this year, make a special effort to stay and be \r\n part of the Dua of the Imam and the rest of the congregation. Also, \r\n don't forget to make Dua as an individual on Eid day, thanking Allah \r\n for His blessings while praying for people suffering everywhere. \r\nAnother way of sharing the pain and trying to help is by arranging \r\n to send gifts and sweets. \r\n Some relief organizations have programs in place to provide orphans, \r\n for instance, with new clothes, a gift and sweets on Eid day. Others \r\n may have a program to provide a family with a meal of meat or some \r\n other special food. \r\nFinally, you can share the pain by meeting \r\n with those who are from one of the \"hot spots\". \r\n Invite them over, ask them about their relatives and offer to help \r\n in any way you can. Doing this will allow you to see an in-person \r\n example of a suffering person who may have escaped the fate of his \r\n or her brothers and sisters, but is still naturally concerned for \r\n family abroad. He or she can be your window into the daily struggles \r\n of those suffering in one part of the world. \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n Sources: |
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